While the origins of rock radio WWCT go back to 1971, the format of the station truly came to life in 1976 when it became Peoria’s first FM “Album Station” format.

The station’s gone through many changes and personnel through the years and is a vital part of Peoria’s broadcasting history.

Last year Tom Arbogast set upon the Herculean task of interviewing past employees, broadcasters and journalists to compile an oral history of this legendary radio station.

You can click on this link or on the photo below to access the WWCT Oral History Internet Archive page to see, listen and read about this fabulous oral history.

I’ve also included separate links to every interview below for those of you who want to cherry pick some interviews before listening to the entire oral history as it stands today. Tom said there could be additional interviews and updates in the future.

Tom told me that the next step in this historical undertaking of one of Peoria’s most beloved rock ’n roll radio stations is a book about the history of WWCT. Stay tuned to MBIP for upcoming details on that future endeavor and enjoy this rich oral history of a legendary Peoria radio station that lives on today!

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WWCT - The Oral History - All Interviews By Tom Arbogast

Paul Carnegie (1971–1983) - The originator of the station. Paul was the founder, partial owner, and president of the original station.

Rich Fruin: Part One (1977–1988, 2000-2003) - Over time, Rich did nearly every job in the building during his tenure at WWCT.

Jack Silver (1977 – 1980) - Jack started at WWCT as an on-air personality doing weekends and overnights while a student at Bradley University.

Chuck Field (1977 – 1979) - Similar to Jack Silver, Chuck started at WWCT when he was a student at Bradley.

Rick Peterson (1978 – 1983) - Rick was one of the earliest program directors in the “Home of rock and roll” era and the creator of one of the most famous WWCT logos and bumper stickers.

Rick Halberg (1981 – 1984) - One of the most recognizable voices in the market; his first day on the air at WWCT was the same day John Lennon was shot.

John Amberg (1982 – 1985) - On-air personality and music director.

Jeff Murphy (1981 – 1986) - Jeff became program director in the mid-eighties and is considered one of the driving forces behind the ascent of WWCT to becoming the number one rated station in the market.

Steve Fandel (1981 – 1983) - News director.

Chris Dierker - (1982 – 1985) - Account executive.

Jim Tofte (1983 – 1986) - Began as the news director and then became part of the Ken & Jim morning show.

Mark Bretsch (1984 – 1990) - Started out as an account executive, then became promotion director, and was assistant program director at the time of his departure from the station.

Rick Hirschman (1983 – 1997) - One of the longest tenured WWCT staff members , Rick wore numerous hats including on-air, music director, program director, and operations manager.

Phil Manicki (1984 – 1988, 2021 – Present) - On-air personality, music director, program director.

Jon Symmonds - Part One (1985 – Present) - On-air personality, engineer, and program director. Jon started on-air but his true love is the equipment--both the studio and transmitter aspects.

Laura Landmann (1985 – 1987) - On-air personality, news department, and promotions director.

Greg Dwyer (1987 – 1991) - Started out as weekends and overnights, became production director, and then teamed with Bill Michaels for the Dwyer and Michaels morning show.

Jamie Markley (1988 – 1998, 2000 – 2004) - Started out part-time as an on-air personality, after becoming full-time; he became music director, program director, and morning show host.

Randy Gordon (1989 – 1992) - On-air personality, assistant promotions director.

Bill Michaels (1990 – 1991) - On-air personality; half of the Dwyer and Michaels morning show.

Wayne R. Miller (1990 – 2000) - Account executive, on-air personality, and engineer.

Joe Calgaro (1991 – 1999) - On-air personality, production director, program director.

Jon Lamb (1991 – 1996, 2000-2001) - On-air personality, half of the Lytle and Lamb, and Lamb & Batton morning shows.

Eric Jensen (1992 – 1995) - Eric was an on-air personality who started as an intern was also involved with the Lytle and Lamb show.

Jason Janc (1992 – 1998) - Jason was an on-air personality helping out with promotions, copywriting, and production.

Derek Story (1992 – 1996) - Derek started as an intern, became an on-air personality and became the promotions coordinator and then promotions director.

Gabe Reynolds (1995 – 1997, 2000 – 2005, 2007 – 2009) - Intern, on-air personality, promotions director, production director, and program director.

Greg Batton (1995 – 1996) - On-air personality, co-host of the Lamb & Batton morning show.

Scott Smith (Spanky) (1996 – 2003) - Started out as an intern, became on-air personality, music director, and program director.

Scott Laughlin (1996 – 1998) - On-air personality, half of the Scott and Scott morning show.

Joey Davidson (1996 – 2003) - Started as an intern, became an on-air personality…did Joey D’s guitar shop, and became promotions director.

Derek Moody (1999 – 2003) - Started as an intern, became an on-air personality, and created his show called the Church of Rock which he has continued to this day since leaving Central Illinois.

Jon Symmonds- Part Two (1985 – Present) - On-air personality, engineer, and program director. Jon started on-air but his true love is the equipment--both the studio and transmitter aspects.

Jon Symmonds - Part Three (1985 – Present) - On-air personality, engineer, and program director. Jon started on-air but his true love is the equipment--both the studio and transmitter aspects.

Rich Fruin - Part Two (1977 – 1988, 2000-2003) - Over time, Rich did nearly every job in the building during his tenure at WWCT.

Jason Lee (2001 – 2003) - On-air personality. Co-hosted morning show with Jaimie Markley.

Joe Greenwood (2006 – 2007) - On-air personality and program director.

Ryan LaCosse (2006 – 2011) - On-air personality and program director.

Danielle Arch (2011 – 2016, 2019 - present) Account executive and on-air personality.

Nikki Symmonds (2013 – Present) - On-air personality, assistant engineer, traffic director.

Bret Johnson (2013 – 2015) - Bret began his working relationship with WWCT in the 1889s working with R & B Productions, an event management firm, who produced numerous WWCT 106 events.

Marc Alghini (2014 – 2018) - Marc served multiple roles while at WWCT including on-air personality, morning show host, and program director.

Richard Weitzel (Rik) (2018 – 2024) - Was at competitor KZ-93 (WKZW) in 1989-1990. At WWCT he has held the roles of on-air personality, morning show, host, and program director.

Jay Goldberg - Concert promoter, founder of Co-Op Tapes and Records, and owner of multiple production companies who brought numerous artists to Peoria for concerts.

Marty Wombacher (That’s ME!) - Local journalist and blogger and occasional guest on WWCT.

Phil Luciano – Former Peoria Journal Star reporter.

Scott Wheeler – On-air personality at main competitor KZ-93 (WKZW) during WWWCT 106’s heyday.

Steve Tarter – Former Peoria Journal Star reporter and author of numerous articles about local media.

Tracy Pullium – Daughter of Bruce Foster, former owner of WWCT.

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WWCT Oral History Internet Archive Page

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